Stellate Ganglion Nerve Block in Treating Women With Hot Flashes

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Presence of hot flashes for ≥ 1 month prior to study registration * Hot flashes considered bothersome (defined by their occurrence of ≥ 28 times per week and of sufficient severity to make the patient desire therapeutic intervention) * Use of more conventional hot flash treatments (including newer antidepressants and gabapentin) have failed to control hot flashes (as defined by the patient) PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: * ECOG performance status 0-1 * Life expectancy ≥ 6 months * Not of childbearing potential, as judged by the attending clinician * Able to complete questionnaires alone or with assistance * No evidence of an active malignancy * No von Willebrand's disease or other bleeding disorders * No allergy to chlorhexidine or bupivacaine PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: * More than 4 weeks since prior and no concurrent antineoplastic chemotherapy, androgens, estrogens, or progestational agents * Tamoxifen, raloxifene, or aromatase inhibitors allowed provided the patient has been on a constant dose for ≥ 4 weeks and continues to receive medication during study treatment * More than 10 days since prior and no concurrent anticoagulants (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel, ticlopidine, or warfarin) * Concurrent heparin flushes for venous catheter allowed * No concurrent use of other agents (e.g., megestrol acetate, soy, clonidine, or Bellergal) for treating hot flashes * Vitamin E, gabapentin, or antidepressants allowed provided the patient has been on a stable dose for \> 30 days and continues to receive medication during study treatment